Economy
California to expand re-entry programs for formerly incarcerated individuals. Here’s how they work
State touts transitional programs that aim to help individuals become self-sufficient after they leave prison.
What’s Working
California Divide
California may gut two CalWORKS programs helping thousands of families
The state is considering zeroing out funds for CalWORKS family stabilization and job subsidy programs to help balance the budget.
California Divide
L.A. promised to hire 200 Black workers from a job training program. That hasn’t happened.
An LA partnership that is supposed to place 200 Black trainees in city jobs is falling short. One worker whose desk job offer was revoked was told to try sanitation.
California Divide
These gigs offer paths to higher wages for young Californians. Now they’re facing budget cuts
California seeded a program to place thousands of young people in apprenticeships. Just as it’s starting, a state budget deficit may delay funding.
Economy
Academy with millions of dollars in government funding helps hospitality workers get better jobs
The Hospitality Training Academy in Los Angeles gets funding from state and federal sources and helps many workers get better careers.
Commentary
California students need more support than ever. Scaling back programs would be a mistake
Community roles like "near peer coaches," which give students an outlet for emotional and academic support, are the types of programs on the chopping block this year as California faces a major budget deficit. A first-year teacher who took an unusual route to the job says state leaders need to protect these programs.
Higher Education
Thousands of Californians got a shot at better careers through this program. Is it working?
State officials want to prepare more Californians for good jobs — those that pay a stable, living wage and offer other benefits, such as a pathway for promotions. The state has spent roughly $370 million on these workforce programs, but the results are mixed.
Education
Should state government jobs require a college degree? Why California is rethinking its rules
California is removing degree requirements from jobs, but state leaders differ about the right approach.